Directions for Jacob's Ladder Quilt Block


The Jacob's Ladder quilt block is an easy to piece block that has many variations. This block forms an interesting overall pattern when set using no sashing. It is a quick block to piece using speed piecing and rotary cutting techniques.

This block uses two different fabrics, one design fabric, Fabric A , and one background fabric, Fabric B.

Traditional Piecing Method

To make this block, use the following templates:
Template A

Template B

Cut the following pieces:

Rotary Cutting Directions

You can also use Easy Piecing Triangle Templates in place of Template B

Piecing the Block

  1. Make four squares by piecing the four Template B in Fabric A to the four Template B in Fabric B.

    Speed Piecing Alternative Follow the directions for piecing right triangles using 4 7/8" wide fabric strips.

  2. Make five squares by piecing two of Template A in Fabric A with two of Template A in Fabric B.

    Speed Piecing Alternative Follow the directions for piecing squares into a four patch block using 2 1/2" fabric strips.

  3. Make two strips by piecing two squares composed of Template A with one square composed of Template B.

  4. Make one strips by piecing two squares composed of Template B with one square composed of Template A.

  5. Piece the three strips together to form the finished Jacob's Ladder quilt block.

    Jacob's Ladder Variations

    Several of the Jacob's Ladder variations replace the square composed of four smaller squares with a single fabric square. Use the following template for this piece, or rotary cut the squares using a 4 1/2" fabric strip.

    Template C

    © Susan E Traudt 1994
    World Wide Quilting Page * Nine Patch Blocks